What term describes the wastewater that flows into the septic tank from the house?

The term that describes the wastewater flowing into the septic tank from the house is "influent." Influent specifically refers to any incoming water or wastewater that enters a treatment system, such as a septic tank. This term encompasses all types of wastewater generated from household activities, whether it comes from sinks, showers, toilets, or other plumbing outlets.

Understanding this term is important in septic system management because it helps differentiate the various stages of wastewater handling. In contrast, "effluent" refers to the treated water that exits the septic tank after the initial processing, while "greywater" and "blackwater" describe types of influent based on their composition. Greywater includes wastewater from sources like sinks and showers, which typically have fewer pathogens, whereas blackwater refers specifically to wastewater that comes from toilets, containing higher levels of contaminants. By grasping the definition of influent, you gain a clearer picture of the entire septic system's function and flow.